15 Nov 2023

Mascom has donated P251 860 to Botswana Substance Abuse Support Network(BOSASNet).

Handing over the funds that were raised through Batanani Walk in Gaborone on Tuesday, Mascom CEO, Ms Dzene Makhwade-Seboni said drugs and substance abuse was a social problem that affected all.

Ms Makhwade-Seboni said in 2022, close to 73 per cent of drug abuse cases recorded were involved the youth with 86 per cent of the cases implicating the boy-child.

She said the Mascom Batanani Walk had chosen to focus on drugs and substance abuse for 2023 under the theme; Take the Step Towards Social Recovery.

She said they decided to donate to an organisation that was at the forefront of the battle against addiction.

She also said BOSASNet had provided comprehensive support and rehabilitation services to individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

Ms Makhwade-Seboni said the 90 per cent success rate was a testament to their commitment to restoring lives and reintegrating individuals into society.

She said BOSASNet was one of the most resilient and longest serving organisations in the fight against drugs and substance abuse.

Although based in Gaborone, she said the organisation’s work was seen and felt across the country. She further said its footprint had also increased with the recent opening of an office in Tsabong.

She said Mascom and BOSASNet had a long-standing relationship as they partnered in 2016 to raise funds.

She also said the partnership was symbolic of them showing that BOSASNet needed the efforts of corporate citizens.

Therefore, she said as a corporate citizen, Mascom was interested in the wellbeing of the community.

She said the Mascom Batanani Walk was about coming together for change and acknowledging that there was change in coming together.

She further said the drive behind the walk was to have an opportunity to shine a spotlight and give assistance on various social issues that were impacting the society.

Ms Makhwade-Seboni said through the Mascom Batanani Walk, they had united behind various causes including protection of the rights of children, gender-based violence and mental health.

BOSASNet Board chairperson, Ms Tunda Kebakile said more than 50 per cent of clients reported changes in substance use as some had been reinstated in schools, work and others had family relationships improved.

She said they were humbled by the people who came to them, as it was not easy for one to admit they had a problem and seek help.

She called on other civil societies to collaborate with BOSASNet.

She said they continued to experience influx for demand for crisis intervention programmes where they dealt with suicidal cases and homicidal cases. Ends